When it comes to parking, nothing beats a nicely shaded parking spot protected from the sun’s heat. Even if it means going out of the way, many of us take the extra time to look for shaded parking. This habit is especially true for those who live in states with hot summers like the Sunshine State.

The intense Florida heat causes lasting damage that can affect your vehicle’s aesthetics, comfort, and even functionality.

Parking shades are increasing in popularity

Nowadays, parking shade structures are trending as cost-effective assets that provide more than protected parking. Parking shade structures assist with building property value by adding an extra element of attractiveness to tenants and customers. Shaded parking is quickly becoming popular for commercial, recreational, homeowner associations, retirement communities and apartment complexes looking to stand out. As more people seek sheltered parking, parking shade structures create a business opportunity to generate revenue by charging premium parking.

As curbside pickups, EV charging stations and premium parking spaces are integrated into parking lots, shade structures are recognized as the perfect amenity to complement these spaces. The colorful shade designs aren’t just for looks and brand establishment. They offer convenience, comfort, sustainability, and, most importantly, protection from harmful UV rays and intense weather and aid with reducing the heat island effect.

How do shade structures improve parking?

One of the primary benefits of shade structures is their exceptional sun and weather protection. Vehicles parked under direct sunlight are unprotected from prolonged UV exposure, dramatically causing interiors and exteriors to heat. Research demonstrates that vehicles parked in the shade can be 100+ degrees cooler than cars parked in direct sunlight. This temperature disparity can make all the difference in preserving a car. Fortunately, industrial parking shades have emerged as a budget-friendly solution for vehicles parked on retail, recreational and apartment properties.

What happens to vehicles unprotected from sunlight?

• Exterior Damage to Paint
  • Direct contact with UV rays causes vehicle paint to fade much faster. According to Sliplo, parking in a shaded area is the most effective way to preserve your vehicle’s paint. The more protection you have against UV light, the less damage it’ll incur over time.
• Interior Damage
  • Interior components such as seats, steering wheels, and dashboards begin to crack due to becoming extremely hot and leading to accelerated wear and tear. According to a study funded by Strategic Solar Energy LLC, dashboards unprotected from the sun can reach over 190 degrees.
• Accelerated Tire Deterioration
  • UV rays will compromise the rubber tread on tires by accelerating the process of tire dry rot. Vehicles become more unsafe as dry rot quickly cracks the tire’s sidewall.
• Decrease in Battery Life Expectancy
  • Direct sunlight can cause battery fluids to evaporate, which shortens the battery’s expected life span.